Chimpanzee Droppings Lead Scientists to Evolutionary Discovery

This interrupted case study focuses on the research of Dr. Beatrice Hahn, who investigates DNA sequences in chimpanzee droppings in order to explore the origins of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Students first consider the types of data that can be gained through collecting chimpanzee feces and studying the behavior of these animals. Students then apply this information to learn more about microevolution when they compare DNA sequences. Finally, students learn about ELISA tests and consider the role of basic and applied science. This case study is appropriate for an introductory biology course for non-majors or majors.

Objectives:

Understand the difference between basic and applied science and realize the significance each contributes towards the field of science.

Get a sense of the kinds of studies and types of data that can be gathered in the field and gain practice with posing questions and hypotheses.

Understand how HIV could have evolved from SIV.

Understand that there are alternative hypotheses on the evolution of HIV, but that the most widely accepted hypothesis stems from the zoonosis of SIV to humans and the subsequent evolution into HIV.

Be familiar with how HIV is detected in humans.

Understand how two genetic sequences can be compared to reveal information about evolutionary relationships.

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